Consumer Reports' Most Popular Used Cars, SUVs, and Pickup Trucks
People really like these 20 pre-owned models
With more than 20 million used cars sold in 2025, according to Cox Automotive, shoppers have a wide range of choices when looking for a car, an SUV, or a truck. To narrow the list of candidates if you’re in the market, start with the 20 models listed below. They’re the most-searched used vehicles on CR.org, revealing which models people are most interested in right now.
Many are CR Recommended used models, which means they performed well in our road tests when new, have average or better reliability, and earned high ratings in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety crash tests.
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10 Most Popular Used Cars
Honda CR-V
The CR-V became bigger and more comfortable with this generation. The 190-hp, 1.5-liter turbo engine in upper trims delivers quick acceleration. The hybrid is more fuel-efficient, but it’s significantly slower and produces more engine noise. Handling is nimble and sure-footed, and the firm ride is steady and compliant. The interior is very comfortable, quiet, and roomy, particularly the rear seat. But the available 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system isn’t particularly intuitive to use. BSW and RCTW were standard on all trims except the base LX.
Toyota RAV4
This generation of the RAV4 is roomy and versatile, two reasons it’s a wise choice. It handles nimbly, and the AWD version gets good fuel economy. But the ride is a bit stiff, and the cabin is rather loud. Most versions are XLE, which adds auto climate control and a sunroof. For a power seat and lumbar support, you’ll need the Limited. The energetic 2.5-liter engine is paired with a smooth-shifting continuously variable transmission. Controls are clear and easy to use, access is easy, and the rear seat is roomy. BSW was standard except on the base LE trim.
Mazda CX-5
The CX-5 features a responsive 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers competitive yet not outstanding fuel economy in our tests, while providing quick acceleration and ample power. A 227-hp turbo four-cylinder was also available. The peppy engines and spry, nimble handling made the Mazda enjoyable to drive. It has a supple and absorbent ride and significantly less cabin noise than older models. The cabin is versatile and well-trimmed. The infotainment system is challenging to use because it’s operated by both a rotary controller and buttons mounted between the front seats.
Subaru Outback
The Outback wagon has a long-running reputation as a smart alternative to an SUV. The base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine does the job, but it can feel strained under stress. The turbocharged 260-hp, 2.4-liter engine transforms the wagon with effortless acceleration. The ride is very comfortable, and handling is responsive and secure. But some tasks through the large infotainment screen require more than one step. Thoughtful details, like built-in crossbars and a dual-position cargo cover, are nice touches. All versions get the EyeSight suite of advanced safety and driver assistance systems. Blind spot warning and rear cross traffic warning were optional.
Subaru Forester
This popular small SUV delivers a spacious interior, excellent visibility, commendable fuel economy, simple controls, a comfortable ride, and responsive handling. The Forester’s 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, paired with the continuously variable transmission, yielded fuel economy that was among the best in class at the time. But acceleration isn’t exhilarating, and the engine noise isn’t the most pleasant. The cabin is roomy, with a particularly generous rear seat and very easy access. The controls are simple to use, including the infotainment system. BSW and RCTW were standard on the Sport trim and higher.
Nissan Rogue
This generation of the Rogue is a major upgrade over its predecessor. It’s powered by a 201-hp, 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine, mated to a continuously variable transmission. This combination produces almost no turbo lag and supplies a healthy midrange punch. In our tests, the Rogue returned good but not standout fuel economy. The interior space and material quality have improved, but the third-seat option is no longer available. The Rogue has a composed ride and nimble handling. The controls are easy to use, but it may take some getting used to the electronic gear selector.
Toyota Highlander
The Highlander has a comfortable ride, secure handling, and a roomy second row. In 2023, Toyota replaced the V6 engine with a 265-hp, 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. This engine has a lot of torque but also a growly, slightly rough character at low speeds. The hybrid version has less power but gets excellent fuel economy. Interior fit and finish improved with this generation, particularly in higher trim versions. Both seven- and eight-passenger seating configurations were available, but the third row is quite small. Controls are easy to use. BSW and RCTW were optional on the regular Highlander but standard on the hybrid version.
Ford Escape
The Ford Escape is a competitive small SUV, but it lags behind other popular models. The turbo three-cylinder provides sufficient oomph but vibrates at low engine speeds and has a tinny sound. The 2.0-liter turbo-four is smoother and more powerful, as is the hybrid. The Escape’s ride is firm but steady and composed, while handling is nimble. The optional 13.2-inch infotainment screen is laggy and not intuitive to use. The front seats are flat and have limited adjustments, but the rear seat is quite roomy when set to the rearmost position.
Subaru Crosstrek
The Subaru Crosstrek is essentially an Impreza hatchback with a raised ride height and some rugged visual cues. It has a comfortable and controlled ride that stands head and shoulders above the competition. The standard 152-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine has just enough power for most situations, which is on a par with its rivals. But it sounds strained and raspy under hard acceleration. Uplevel versions get a more powerful 2.5-liter engine. The continuously variable transmission mostly avoids sudden engine revving by mimicking the shifts a traditional automatic transmission would make. We measured 29 mpg overall in our tests, which is commendable for an all-wheel-drive vehicle. The cabin has simple controls, easy-to-read gauges, and a user-friendly touchscreen infotainment system, but the standard cloth front seats are short on lower-back support and also lack adjustable lumbar support. BSW is standard on the top trim of the regular Crosstrek, optional on the Premium trim, and not available on the base trim.
Chevrolet Equinox
The Equinox’s 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder doesn’t pack much reserve power, but it delivers a decent 25 mpg. While the driver and passenger can feel some shifts, the transmission is mostly unobtrusive. To its credit, the SUV is roomy, has a quiet interior, an absorbent and controlled ride, and responsive handling. The front seats are comfortable for long commutes, and the generously sized rear seat folds flat, providing a large cargo space. Visibility is quite good except where the rear three-quarter view is compromised by its thick pillars. Despite some soft-touch materials and a bit of chrome scattered about, the overall feel of the interior is a bit on the cheap side, reminding us of a cut-rate rental car. GM’s MyLink infotainment system is one of the better systems around. It’s easy to use and comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Forward collision warning and city-speed automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection are standard on all trim lines.
11th Through 20th Most Popular Used Cars
